GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 11th June: Indian Railways is set for a major upgrade! The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved two significant multi-tracking rail projects worth an estimated ₹6,405 crore. These initiatives will add about 318 kilometers to the existing rail network across seven districts in Jharkhand, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, promising easier travel, lower transport costs, and environmental benefits.
The approved projects include:
- Koderma – Barkakana Doubling (133 Kms): This project is crucial for a major coal-producing area in Jharkhand. It will also create a shorter and more efficient rail link between Patna and Ranchi.
- Ballari – Chikjajur Doubling (185 Kms): This line will improve connectivity through the Ballari and Chitradurga districts of Karnataka and the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh.
These expansions will significantly boost mobility, improve operational efficiency, and make rail services more reliable for Indian Railways. By streamlining operations and easing congestion, these projects align with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a “New India.” They aim to foster comprehensive development and empower communities by creating more job and self-employment opportunities.
These initiatives are a direct result of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, showcasing integrated planning for seamless movement of people, goods, and services. The expanded network will benefit approximately 1,408 villages, serving a population of about 28.19 lakh.
These routes are vital for transporting essential commodities like coal, iron ore, finished steel, cement, fertilizers, agricultural products, and petroleum. The increased capacity is expected to handle an additional 49 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) of freight traffic. Railways, being an eco-friendly and energy-efficient mode of transport, will also help India meet its climate goals by reducing oil imports by an estimated 52 crore liters and lowering CO2 emissions by 264 crore kilograms – which is like planting 11 crore trees.
During construction, these projects are expected to generate direct employment for about 108 lakh human-days, providing a significant boost to local economies.
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